August 14, 2024
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) today announced 100 students won free pizza for a year in its first-ever “Reach for the Pie” pizza giveaway contest to boost completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and raise awareness about state financial aid opportunities. The department and local leaders celebrated the “Reach for the Pie” winners as well as the Fiscal Year 2025 budget investment in the Community College Guarantee at Grand Rapids Community College today.
“Our department is committed to finding innovative ways to encourage students in our state to pursue
the postsecondary credential needed to put them on a path to prosperity,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-
Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “The ‘Reach for the Pie’ giveaway encouraged Michiganders to complete
their FAFSA, which opens up opportunities for financial aid that takes a bite out of the cost of
postsecondary education. MiLEAP is committed to working with partners across the state to clear
barriers, help Michiganders achieve their lifelong education goals and expand our state’s talent
pipeline.”
More than 7,300 students from across the state completed their FAFSA form and entered the “Reach for
the Pie” contest for a chance to win free pizza for a year — one pizza per week for 52 weeks — from
Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs, a Michigan-based company. The effort is one way the state is working
toward Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal to have at least 60% of Michiganders earn a degree or skill certificate
by 2030.
The FAFSA is the first step for students to receive the Michigan Achievement Scholarship—the state’s
signature scholarship program—and the Community College Guarantee. Starting with the class of 2023
and beyond, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship significantly lowers, or in some cases eliminates, the
cost of college. Qualifying students attending a public or private university can receive up to $27,500 to
earn a bachelor’s degree. Through the Community College Guarantee, students attending their local
community college can earn their skill certificate or degree tuition-free.
“Reach for the Pie” winner Jana Schroeder, of Cedar Springs, said she didn’t know what to expect with
the FAFSA process, but it went well.
“I had some hesitation about the FAFSA process, but it wasn’t difficult at all and there are lots of
resources to help you,” she said. “Every student owes it to themselves to complete the FAFSA because it
opens doors to cash for college.”
“When Michiganders complete their FAFSA and pursue a pathway to higher education, the benefits are
lifelong and extend far beyond the individual, improving our communities and state as a whole. By
delivering on the Michigan Guarantee, we’re not only lowering barriers to economic security and
expanding access to higher education — we’re helping residents chase their educational and
professional dreams,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “I’m grateful for
MiLEAP, the Executive Office, the Michigan Credit Union League, and Hungry Howie’s for working
together to put on this exciting contest. Together, let's continue propelling Michigan forward to a future
where financial security is attainable for everyone.”
“Michigan is investing in our future by restructuring state sponsored scholarships making it easier than
ever to access funding with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, Michigan Reconnect, and the newly
signed Community College Guarantee,” said Chair of the Higher Education Committee, Rep. Carol
Glanville (D-Walker). “FAFSA is the key that opens the door to these resources helping Michiganders
advance in their current careers or find opportunities in a new field of study and stay in our state.”
Kevin Dittrich, a franchise owner of Hungary Howie’s Pizza and Subs, the contest pizza partner,
said he was proud to join an initiative to help students across the state gain access to additional
financial aid opportunities.
“Just like Hungry Howie’s delivers pizza, Michigan is delivering access to the financial aid needed for our
citizens to pursue their educational dreams,” said Dittrich. “I can’t think of a better way to send that
message than with something every college-bound student understands — pizza.”
For a list of confirmed “Reach for the Pie” winners, visit ReachForThePie.org.